A chat with Jonathan Frantz, MD, FACS, Medical Director and Cataract Surgeon at Frantz EyeCare
The first lesson in high school economics – there is no such thing as a free lunch. The old adage communicates the truth that it’s rare, if not impossible, to get something for nothing.
Dr. Jonathan Frantz is one of the top cataract surgeons in the nation. His practice, Frantz EyeCare, has five bustling locations serving Southwest Florida. Dr. Frantz is ranked as the #1 Bladeless Laser Cataract Surgeon in the state of Florida.
At Frantz EyeCare, there exists a two-fold commitment; patients will receive the very best vision care and the latest in vision correction procedures. But patients will also be educated – about options, expectations, and what exactly is covered by insurance and/or Medicare and what is not.
Beware the Bait and Switch
“There is a common misconception out there where many people believe cataract surgery is part of vision care instead of medical care,” explained Dr. Frantz. “As a result of that, many people don’t really know if cataract surgery is covered and they fret about that. And because of that, they actually delay being seen. They don’t know that not only is the cataract surgery covered by insurance and/or Medicare, but even getting an evaluation for a vision issue is also something that is usually covered.”
Dr. Frantz feels passionate about setting the record straight on this point. Because the longer people delay being seen for a possible cataract, the longer they are living with cloudy, blurry vision that is impacting their lives negatively.
“It is concerning to me when I see advertising for a free eye exam for anyone who has a cataract or free cataract surgery for anyone over the age of 65,” said Dr. Frantz, “Because what does every person over the age of 65 have in common? Almost all have Medicare. Well guess what? Cataract surgery is covered by Medicare. And Medicare covers an evaluation of your eyes if you are having a vision problem. Private insurance does, too.”
“What happens is, they will have a very basic eye exam without any diagnostic testing that might be needed, then the office will have the patient come back and plan to charge their insurance for testing, glasses, every subsequent appointment and possibly surgery,” he explained. “Some patients might not get the quality outcome they had hoped for. So to advertise this way really is preying on people’s feelings or lack of knowledge and that’s just not right.”
Quality Matters
Since many individuals don’t know a cataract evaluation is a covered event, they will go to a discount retail outlet and have an inexpensive, bargain basement eye exam. These retail clinics do not have all the diagnostic equipment needed to perform a thorough eye exam that looks at all parts of the eye, because they are really only set up to sell glasses.
“People are brought into these places by a deceptive offer for FREE services, when really, these services are already covered,” said Dr. Frantz. “No one would pay thousands of dollars to advertise free services. There’s always a catch.”
The Frantz EyeCare Difference
At Frantz EyeCare, there is no catch. The Frantz EyeCare team has the experience, the expertise and the latest diagnostic equipment to perform completely comprehensive eye exams that will not only screen for cataracts but also for macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and many other eye diseases that can affect your vision permanently.
“We believe the most successful medical care results from a relationship of trust and confidence,” said Dr. Frantz. To that end, they shoot straight. No tricks. No bait and switch. They educate patients, empowering them to make the decision that is best for them. “When someone is making a decision based on budgetary concerns, lack of knowledge or the belief that they are going to get a free service, then they might choose someone who is not the most qualified,” said Dr. Frantz. “But when people realize what the rules really are, then they are able to choose the doctor they trust the most, who they believe will take the best care of them.”
